Moving to a New Home? Create a Checklist to Help You Get Ready

Getting ready to move? Moving can be a new prospect filled with exciting change, but it can also be daunting to think about getting prepared for the move. Beyond moving all of the stuff in your home, there are other things to figure out such as utilities, school records, and of course, hiring the right moving company. Ideally, you should begin preparing for your move about two months before the actual date. Let’s go though some of the things you can do ahead of time to make moving day a breeze.

1. Take only what you need. About two months before the moving date, begin to sort through clothes, linen, and various kitchen items that you no longer use. Donate what you can, and toss the rest. Books are notoriously heavy and difficult to move; if you can bear to part with them, sell them online from somewhere like Half.com.

2. Start researching moving companies. Around the same time that you begin the great purge of stuff, look into moving companies for your move. You’ll want to make sure you don’t wait too long so that you’re sure to find a company that’s available. Make sure you get a quote in writing that accurately describes what you need to move.

3. Order moving supplies. About six weeks before the move, begin ordering boxes and tape. Obtaining moving supplies early enough provides you with enough time to pack everything up and order new boxes if you need them.

4. Use up your food supply. It doesn’t make much sense to move all of your food, so go through your refrigerator and freezer and make plans to use up what you have on hand. If you’re a take-out every night kind of person, this might not take too long. But if your freezer is stockpiled with frozen food, make sure you leave enough time to eat all of it.

5. Begin packing. You should start packing about one month before it’s time to move. Start with the things that are used less often and require more care, like the special dinner plates. Try to pack as much as possible ahead of time. Even if some missing items make things less convenient for a while, it’s still better than packing everything at the last minute. Be sure to label every box with the room it is destined for. Color-coded tape works great for this, too.

6. Change your address. Fill out a mail forwarding form for the post office, and then make a list of all of the utilities, banks, and other places you’ll need to register your new address.

7. Confirm arrangements with the mover. A few weeks before the move, call the mover and make sure they have all the correct details about the move. If you haven’t given them your credit card info yet, arrange to make payment with a check or money order.

8. Pack a box full of necessities. While you’re packing up your final things, make sure you keep things that you’ll need right away (toiletries, coffee / coffee maker, pet food, medicine, etc.) in a separate box and move it in the car with you.

Braha Moving Systems is a family owned and operated moving and storage company based
in New York City. With more than 20 years of experience, we understand the importance
of providing a superior level of service. We care about our customers and our employees
go the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction.